What Makes Family Hospice Remarkable

1. Expertise. Begun in 1980, we are an independent, community-based hospice with a history of providing expert, compassionate care, a comprehensive continuum of end-of-life care to hundreds of patients each day. We have the area's largest staff of Board-certified palliative care physicians. Our team of caregivers also includes certified nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and certified nursing assistants with training and certification in hospice and palliative care, as well as licensed clinical social workers.

2. Non-profit. We are not focused on a profit margin, but rather a mission of delivering quality, compassionate care and support to all hospice and palliative care patients who are referred to us. Free care is provided for those who qualify. As a 501(C)3 corporation, contributions are tax deductible. Our Tax ID number is 25-1188570.

3. Independent. We are not owned by a for-profit health care system, or private entities. We are guided by a board of volunteers from the communities we serve.

4. Quality. 100 percent of physicians who have referred patients to Family Hospice and Palliative Care indicate that the referral was handled smoothly. In addition, 95.2 percent of family members tell us they would recommend our organization to others. (from 2013 surveys)

5. Family Hospice Inpatient Centers. Our 12-bed Inpatient Center in Mt. Lebanon and 12-bed Inpatient Center at UPMC Canterbury in Lawrenceville offer round-the-clock care in a peaceful, home-like setting, with 24 hour access for family members. Our Center in Mt. Lebanon also houses offices for clinical and administrative staff. The Inpatient Center - Canterbury is housed on the campus of Canterbury Place, a UPMC Senior Living facility.

6. Bereavement support. As one of Western Pennsylvania's most comprehensive bereavement programs, our service includes free individual and group counseling, workshops and ongoing support. Our annual Camp Healing Hearts program offers support to children 6-12 who are coping with the loss of a loved one.

7. Volunteers. Our more than 300 volunteers are specially trained to provide assistance to patients and their families and even to sit vigil with those patients that have no family nearby.

8. Veterans Program. Pennsylvania has one of the highest populations of Veterans in the United States with over 1.1 million having served, 25% who reside here in Western Pennsylvania. Family Hospice offers a comprehensive hospice program designed to meet the unique needs of veterans at end of life and their caregivers. Many factors impact the veteran's end-of-life journey including age, whether enlisted or drafted, branch of service, rank and combat or POW experience. Consequences for the veteran can range from limited social and financial resources to a reluctance to admit pain to the possibility of complications with medications. The program is open to veterans of all ages and service branches eligible for hospice and palliative care. As with any patient, veterans must have a life-limiting illness.

You can expect:

Staff knowledgeable in the clinical, emotional and spiritual concerns unique to Veterans and their families

Hospice services paid for through Tricare military health plan, Veterans Administration health plan, Medicare, Medicaid, and many commercial insurances; free care is provided to those who qualify under federal poverty guidelines

Staff assistance to bridge the veteran's care at end of life with the specialized resources, programs and entitlements available through the Veterans Administration

The camaraderie of trained veteran volunteers to companion with their fellow service men and women

Family Hospice shall accept referrals and provide services to all persons in need in its defined service area regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, creed, limited English proficiency, handicap or disability, ability to pay, ancestry, sexual orientation, diagnosis, infectious disease, or DNR status, if applicable.